U.S. Resumes Arms to Ukraine as Russia Weighs Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. resumed military aid to Ukraine after lifting its suspension, strengthening Kyiv’s defense. Russia weighs a U.S.-backed ceasefire, with concerns over battlefield losses and negotiations. Fighting intensifies in Kursk, as both sides push for leverage ahead of peace talks.
Ukraine Conflict and Ceasefire Talks: Quick Looks
- U.S. Military Aid Resumes: Washington lifted its suspension, sending weapons through Poland to Ukraine.
- Ceasefire Proposal: A 30-day truce backed by the U.S. is under discussion, with Russia waiting for details.
- Zelenskyy’s Stance: The Ukrainian president supports a truce as a step toward a lasting peace plan.
- Russian Response: The Kremlin remains cautious, seeking clearer terms before taking a position.
- Battle for Kursk Region: Russian forces intensify attacks, making gains in Sudzha, a key Ukrainian stronghold.
- U.S. Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio engages Moscow while Trump pushes for talks.
- Russian Skepticism: Lawmakers in Moscow demand that any truce must be on Russia’s terms.
- CIA-Russia Communication: SVR and CIA officials held talks on crisis resolution and intelligence cooperation.
Deep Look: U.S. Resumes Arms to Ukraine as Russia Mulls Ceasefire
U.S. Resumes Military Support for Ukraine
The United States restarted arms shipments to Ukraine on Wednesday, marking a major shift after President Donald Trump briefly suspended military aid. Ukrainian officials confirmed that weapons and equipment are flowing through Poland, reinforcing Kyiv’s troops as they battle Russian forces.
The decision comes as Washington backs a 30-day ceasefire proposal, a potential first step toward ending the war. Ukraine signaled its openness to the truce, while the Kremlin remains cautious, waiting for more details before responding.
Kremlin Awaits U.S. Ceasefire Terms
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged patience, saying Moscow needs full details from the U.S. before taking a stance. While Russia has been open to discussions, it has resisted any settlement that does not align with its strategic goals.
Zelenskyy sees the ceasefire as an opportunity to establish a clear roadmap for peace while securing security guarantees for Ukraine. However, technical challenges remain, particularly in monitoring the front line, which stretches over 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) and is heavily patrolled by drones and missile systems.
Battle for Kursk Escalates as Ceasefire Talks Loom
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting has intensified in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold key positions.
- Ukrainian troops raided Kursk last August, marking the first foreign occupation of Russian soil since WWII.
- Russia launched renewed attacks in recent days, attempting to reclaim lost ground.
- Russian troops, supported by North Korean reinforcements, breached defenses near Sudzha, a vital supply hub.
Both Ukrainian and Russian sources confirm active combat, though claims on territorial control remain unclear.
Washington Pushes for Diplomacy as Moscow Resists
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. will use multiple diplomatic channels to engage Russia. While he declined to share specific details, he emphasized that the next move is up to Moscow.
Rubio expressed hope for a Russian military pause, but warned against predicting outcomes prematurely. Speaking in Ireland, before heading to Canada for G7 meetings, Rubio said:
“We’ve put a ceasefire on the table. Now, it’s up to Russia to decide if they want peace.”
The U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow soon, where he may meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss peace conditions.
Russian Officials Skeptical of U.S. Intentions
Moscow’s political elite remains divided over engaging with Washington’s ceasefire proposal.
- Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, insisted that any ceasefire must be on Russia’s terms.
- Lawmaker Mikhail Sheremet voiced concerns about the West using the truce to rearm Ukraine.
- Russian intelligence suggests that Moscow may demand Ukrainian elections before agreeing to any peace deal.
John Hardie, a defense analyst, believes Russia will appear cooperative in talks but push for a broader settlement favoring Moscow’s long-term goals.
Russia and the U.S. Engage in Backchannel Talks
Amid growing uncertainty, Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) confirmed a direct conversation with the CIA. The SVR’s chief, Sergei Naryshkin, spoke with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, discussing potential cooperation on:
- Crisis resolution strategies
- Security concerns in Ukraine
- Shared geopolitical risks
While the details of their discussion remain classified, the call signals continued communication between Washington and Moscow, even amid heightened tensions.
What Comes Next?
With U.S. arms flowing into Ukraine and Russia deliberating its next move, the situation remains fluid. Key questions in the coming days include:
- Will Russia agree to the U.S.-backed ceasefire, or will it demand further concessions?
- Can Ukraine hold its ground in Kursk, or will Russian advances shift the balance?
- How will Trump’s administration balance military aid with diplomatic efforts?
As the conflict enters a critical phase, the outcome of ceasefire negotiations could reshape the war’s trajectory—either towards de-escalation or further intensification.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.